The benefits for the heart of eating strawberries and blueberries can build up over a lifetime, according to the latest research. Bright-colored berries have long been a part of any healthy diet, owing mainly to the anthocyanins that give them their vibrant color and act as antioxidants to fi...

B: Eating berry's 3 times a week can reduce risk of heart attack by 1/3 percent.

S: Don't only eat fruits and vegetables but make sure to get the berry's in there too because thats what helps the most against heart disses in women.

B: keeps arteries healthy and flexible.

B: berries contain high levels of anthocyanin's, and flavonoids, which fight stress effects and damage to cells as they age. They also keep heart vessels more elastic and flexible, which helps fight plaques that can build up and rupture, causing heart attacks.

S: Although a burger and fries are good they wont help you in the long run health wise.

We compare the many types of debt — student loan debt, tax debt, mortgage debt and more — to decide which debts are “good” and which ones are “bad.”

Matthew sawyer's insight:

What is the worst kind of debt to carry? Is it student loan debt, credit cards, a mortgage — or something else? Even the experts don’t always agree on which debts are “good debt” and which ones are “bad” so imagine how confusing it can be to consumers who are dealing with debt!

Student Loan Debt

Why student loan debt is the worst: The loans are often given to young people with no credit experience and no clue how they will pay them back. Balances are often high, and the jobs borrowers counted on to make payments may be non-existent. (Some borrowers never graduate, which means they have debt but no degree to increase their earning power.) Finally, unlike every other type of consumer debt, it is very difficult to discharge balances in bankruptcy.

And why it may not be: College graduates, on average, still earn significantly more over their lifetimes than those without a college degree. In that sense, student loan debt can be considered an investment that pays off in future earning power. In addition, students may be able to defer payments on their student loans during times of economic hardship (albeit, usually at a cost), which makes them more flexible than other types of loans. In addition, borrowers may be eligible for reduced payments and loan forgiveness under the Income-Based Repayment Program or other loan forgiveness programs.

How does student debt affect credit scores? Even large balances typically don’t hurt credit scores as long as the payments are made on time.

Credit Card Debt

Why credit card debt is the worst: With interest rates hovering around 15% on average — and more than 20% for some borrowers — credit card debt is often the most expensive kind of debt consumers carry. And with the low minimum monthly payments that issuers offer, cardholders can find themselves in debt for decades if they aren’t careful.

And why it may not be: While making minimum payments on credit cards is not a great idea over the long run, having that option can come in handy in a financial pinch. It can give cardholders time to get back on their feet without ruining their credit.

And when consumers can’t pay back credit cards, they don’t have that much to lose — at least when compared to falling behind on a home or auto loan. Sure, a credit card issuer may be able to sue a cardholder to collect, but that usually happens only after months or years of not paying, and after there’s been an opportunity to work out some kind of settlement on the debt.

As far as credit scores are concerned, as long as cardholders keep balances low (usually below 10 to 20% of their available credit), and make minimum payments on time, credit card debt should not hurt credit scores.

Mortgage Debt

Why mortgage debt is the worst: If you wonder how bad mortgage debt can be, just ask the owners of some 8.8 million homes that CoreLogic said had negative or near-negative equity as of the second quarter of 2013. That means those owners owe close to, or more than, what the property is worth.

That also means they can’t sell those houses without without shelling out money to pay off their mortgage or doing a short sale that damages their credit scores. Even for those who aren’t underwater, rising taxes and/or insurance premiums, the cost of maintenance, and loans that typically take 30 years to pay off can make one’s home feel like a financial prison at times.

And why it may not be: Over time, homeownership remains one of the key ways average Americans build wealth. If you are able to keep up with your home loan payments, eventually the home will be paid off and provide inexpensive housing or rental income. Equity that has built up can be accessed through a reverse mortgage or by selling the house, or it can be passed along to heirs — sometimes tax-free.

When it comes to credit scores, this type of loan will generally help, as long as payments are made on time. Even large mortgages shouldn’t depress credit scores, unless there are multiple mortgages with balances. That’s usually a problem that affects real estate investors, though; not homeowners with one or two homes.

Tax Debt

Why tax debt is the worst: If you owe the Internal Revenue Service or your state taxing authority for taxes you can’t pay, you can suffer a variety of painful consequences. If a tax lien is filed, your credit scores will likely plummet. In addition, these government agencies usually have strong collection powers, including the ability to seize money in bank accounts or other property, or to intercept future tax refunds.

And why it may not be: The IRS offers repayment options that may allow a tax debt to be paid off over time at a fairly low interest rate. (Similar programs are available for state tax debt in many states.) And unlike applying for a loan, you don’t have to have good credit to get approved for an installment agreement.

The good news when it comes to credit scores is that tax debt itself isn’t reported to credit reporting agencies; a tax lien is the only way that it may show up. By entering into an installment agreement, you may be able to get a tax lien removed from your credit reports, even before you’ve paid off what you owe.

Auto Loan Debt

Why auto debt is the worst: The average auto loan now lasts five and a half years, and some 12% last six to seven years, according to Edmunds.com. That means payments will last long after that new car smell has worn off, and well into the years when maintenance and repair costs start creeping up. Even more troubling, these borrowers may be stuck if they need to sell their vehicles since they may be “upside down,” owing more than what they can sell their car or truck for.

And why it may not be: Many consumers budget for a car payment, and as long as they aren’t hit with unexpected expenses, they are able to make this payment a priority. In addition, borrowers may be able to refinance their auto loans and lower their monthly payments. Plus cars often get people to work, where they can earn the money they need to pay off debt.

Vehicle loans that are paid on time can help credit scores, and are rarely a problem unless someone has several car loans outstanding at once, or misses a payment.

The Worst Kind of Debt

When it comes down to it, the worst type of debt is … (drumroll please), the one you can’t pay back on time. If that happens, your credit scores will suffer, your balances may grow larger due to fees and interest, and you may find yourself borrowing even more as you try to keep up with your payments.

Have you ever thought about why so many of the people you know are struggling with debt? Do you ever wonder why banks keep lending to certain individuals, even when they are falling behind on their payments? Did you know that debt problems are a leading cause of major societal problems, such as stress, divorce and alcoholism?

When it comes to extending credit to Americans, there are big winners and big losers on each end of the transaction. The largest banking companies in America earn major profits from the big appetites that consumers have for unsecured debt. At the same time, many individuals lack adequate savings, and this makes them particularly vulnerable to leaning on those banks as a last resort to make ends meet. The story that unfolds is often likened to David versus Goliath, except Goliath never loses.

Debt is like a disease that starts small and can quickly spread through one’s entire life. For many people that are living paycheck-to-paycheck and lack an adequate savings plan, just one bump in the road can cause a complete breakdown. Unfortunately, most consumers do not have adequate knowledge about managing their money, as financial planning is not a subject that is typically taught in schools. A bit of homework on personal debt management and preparing a financial plan for the future can go a long way.

When it comes to credit decisions, it is important to understand that not all debt is bad, and there are situations where certain types of debt are necessary and helpful. An example of good debt is taking out a mortgage for the purchase of a family home, or buying equipment to help an entrepreneur grow their business. On the other had, bad debt is generally used to finance one’s ongoing spending and lifestyle habits. This includes credit cards, personal loans or even payday loans, all of which usually carry high interest rates and associated costs.

Still, everyday victims emerge from poor money management and start on a journey to financial independence. To help prevent a dependence on bad debt, here are 10 tips for avoiding the debt trap:

1. Spend less. Don’t buy something unless you can afford it. While that is easy to say, it can be a tough rule to live by. We are creatures of instant gratification and often want to have things now without fully considering the cost. Create a challenge for yourself to see how many areas of your spending you can cut back on, without compromising your needs and personal happiness.

2. Share budget goals with the family. Anyone trying to fulfill savings goals should have a budget and share it with the whole family. Break down the budget into categories, such as food, utilities, allowances and entertainment. If the family unit is all working together to meet mutual goals, then sacrifices can be shared and understood on everyone’s part. For example, taking a road trip and lodging with relatives on a vacation might be more prudent than signing up for flights and hotels on the next family getaway. Or make a challenge out of grocery shopping, by only taking a set amount of money into the store, forcing frugal choices. The more creativity you can put behind staying on a budget, the better!

3. Buy on sale. These days most prices are negotiable, so wake up the bargainer inside of you. Great deals and coupons are everywhere, if you take the extra time to look for them. In a recession, the stores need your money a lot more than you need their goods. The internet is an amazing tool to score the best deals and prices on significant purchases.

4. Ignore credit card offers. Credit cards should only be used for emergencies. If you are using them for convenience or to build rewards points, only spend what you can pay off in full every month. Even using debit cards can make it challenging to track whether you are spending more than you can afford. It’s best to pay cash when you can, and if you don’t have the money, think hard on whether you need the item in question.

5. Pursue economical hobbies. Look for hobbies that are fun, but more importantly that are also economical. Inexpensive recreation is abundant, and just requires you to get your creative juices flowing. Having ample hobbies and activities in your schedule can also help keep you from otherwise being on the spending circuit. Make sure to always leave enough room in your budget for those activities you enjoy most – they are priceless.

6. Pay off credit cards. If you have balances sitting on credit cards, pay them down as fast as possible. Do not make the minimum payment, as that payment is meant to keep you in debt for a very long time. Even on a zero interest rate credit card, work to pay off the debt in the three to six month time frame before the offer ends.

7. Avoid eating out. Cook at home, and if you don’t cook, take some time to learn how. The average price of a meal out costs far more than if you were to cook at home. The savings will add up fast if you are used to eating out 1-2 meals a day. In addition, home cooking is usually a lot lower in saturated fats, calories and sodium. There are multiple benefits to staying home for a meal.

8. Window shoppers beware. Reconsider the habit of window-shopping, trying things on, flipping through magazines or catalogs, or browsing eBay on the internet. These practices can stir up desires for items you really don’t need. Instead, keep a shopping list of the products you need or want, and shop with discipline when you head to the store.

9. Set up an exercise schedule. There is no substitute for a good workout. Not only will you be feeling better, you fitness is a healthy alternative to spending money. Good exercise only requires your setting aside some time, and generally that time is returned to you from the extra energy boost in your day. Even if you are not a regular at the gym, you can meet with friends for a run, dust off your bike or take your dog on a long walk.

10. Savings is critical. If you don’t already have one, make sure to set up an emergency fund right away. Allocate a set amount every month to continue building that fund over time. Most people get into debt simply because they have no savings to hold them over when rough patches come along. If you have a family, this may be the most important item on the list.

No matter how big it is, you CAN pay down your debt. Start today — right now! — with this simple action plan.

Matthew sawyer's insight:

Face the Facts

If you’ve ever accidentally cut yourself with a kitchen knife, your first instinct may have been to avoid looking at how bad it was. You just held the cut hand tightly with your good hand, scared to take even a glance.

But if you’re going to stop the bleeding — to your hand or your wallet — you have to take a good, clear look.

Financially, that means adding up your debts. Make a list. Who do you owe? How much do you owe to each creditor? And what’s the interest rate (APR)?

Stop the Bleeding

Before any forward progress can be made, you need to stop moving backwards. That means committing today to going no further into debt. Two bold steps will help.

First, take your credit cards out of your wallet or purse. You don’t have to cut them up (or maybe you do). Just get them out of arm’s reach so that it’s difficult if not impossible to take on more debt.

Next, tell someone how much debt you have. Just thinking about taking this step might rearrange your bones. But it’ll be one of the most helpful steps you can take. There’s something very powerful about getting the news about your debts off of your shoulders alone.

Ask this trusted friend to be your encouragement and accountability partner. Invite them to ask you about your progress from time to time. It’ll go a long way toward helping you build and maintain momentum on your journey out of debt.

Fix Your Payments

One of the simplest steps toward accelerated debt repayment is to keep paying the same amount to your creditors each month. You see, if you go no further into debt, then each month your creditors will ask you for a little less.

That may seem awfully nice of them, but it isn’t kindness. It’s math.

Your minimum payment is based on a percentage of your balance, so if your balance is going down a little each month, so will your minimum due. Paying this declining minimum is one reason why getting out of debt takes so long.

For example, let’s say you have a $5,000 credit card balance, and your minimum due is 2% of the balance. This month’s required payment is $100. But next month it’ll be a little less, and the next month it’ll be even less.

If your card charges 18% interest and you pay the declining minimum due each month, it’ll take you 472 months to get out of debt. That’s over 39 years! Along the way, you’ll fork over nearly $13,400 in interest.

But if you keep paying $100 each month, you’ll be out of debt in “just” 94 months (less than eight years), and you’ll pay about $4,300 in interest.

Wow. That’s a big improvement for just continuing to pay what’s due this month every month.

Ask for a Lower Rate

A huge key to successful negotiating is simply working up the courage to ask for what you want. If you’ve been a good credit card customer, making your payments on time each month, call the company and ask for a lower interest rate.

Just say, “I believe I’ve been a good customer of yours, but I need a better rate. Can you help?” It will work to your advantage if you have a better offer in hand that you can mention. Maybe you received an offer in the mail or saw a better rate advertised online. If they balk, ask to speak to a supervisor.

Sure, they might say no. But if they say yes, lowering your rate from 18% to 14% in the above example will knock your payoff period down to 76 months and your interest payments down to about $2,500. A nice improvement for a 10-minute phone call.

Pay More Than the Fixed Minimum

Of course, if you can find some money to pay more than the fixed minimum each month, you’ll be out of debt even faster. Pay $110 a month instead of $100 in the example above, and you’ll shave another 10 months and about $350 in interest from your debt payoff plan.

By fixing your payments, asking for a lower interest rate, and paying an extra $10 a month, you’ve gone from a payoff period of 472 months and interest payments of nearly $13,400 all the way down to 66 months and less than $2,200 in interest.

Of course, the more you can put toward your debts, the faster you’ll be out of debt. Run some what-if scenarios with different monthly payment amounts using this Accelerated Debt Payoff Calculator.

Sharing your scoops to your social media accounts is a must to distribute your curated content. Not only will it drive traffic and leads through your content, but it will help show your expertise with your followers.

Integrating your curated content to your website or blog will allow you to increase your website visitors’ engagement, boost SEO and acquire new visitors. By redirecting your social media traffic to your website, Scoop.it will also help you generate more qualified traffic and leads from your curation work.

Distributing your curated content through a newsletter is a great way to nurture and engage your email subscribers will developing your traffic and visibility.
Creating engaging newsletters with your curated content is really easy.